In Memoriam: Quinton Duval

Quinton Duval passed away on May 10. A fine poet, a teacher, and the editor and publisher of Red Wing Press, Quinton was a big-hearted man who will be greatly missed. He is the author of four poetry collections, including Joe’s Rain from Cedar House Books. More recently, Rattlesnake Press published his chapbook Among Summer Pines. I have been reading and rereading “Morning Tea,” that book’s last poem since hearing of his death. Here are the last several lines:

Before I left, I saw you set out

the blue bowl full of speckled eggs

and a plate of June peaches.

After breakfast, find Bobo the fisherman

and his four sons. Tell them to bring rope

and a sheet of plywood. I’ve never had

a ride on plywood. I’ve never loved anywhere

as much as here, with you. I’d do it again

in a minute. You know me.

I’ve never had enough.